Delft Island

Delft Island

    Delft Island is about 35 km away from the Jaffna mainland. The whole island was based on coral and limestone. The roots of Portuguese and Dutch occupancy on the island are more prominent. The Delft Island Fort, Hospital, Castle, Horse breeding centre, and Pigeon houses with a stone cote are among the archaeological remains of the colonial period.

    The ancient Buddhist ruins can also be seen on the island. Three inscriptions belong to the 1st and 2nd century and 14th and 15th century are being discovered recently.

    Delft Island horses, believed to descend from horses kept on the island from the time of Portuguese occupancy are significant on the island. Part of Delft Island is nominated as Delft Island national park to provide sanctuary for those 450 odd Delft Island horses.

    Delft Island is about 35 km away from the Jaffna mainland. The whole island was based on coral and limestone. The roots of Portuguese and Dutch occupancy on the island are more prominent. The Delft Island Fort, Hospital, Castle, Horse breeding centre, and Pigeon houses with a stone cote are among the archaeological remains of the colonial period.

    The ancient Buddhist ruins can also be seen on the island. Three inscriptions belong to the 1st and 2nd century and 14th and 15th century are being discovered recently.

    Delft Island horses, believed to descend from horses kept on the island from the time of Portuguese occupancy are significant on the island. Part of Delft Island is nominated as Delft Island national park to provide sanctuary for those 450 odd Delft Island horses.